Deadly Drone Strike on Abyei Market Ignites Fire, Kills Over 150

Juba, South Sudan (AP) — A devastating drone strike on a market in the disputed Abyei region, situated on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 153 people. The attack, which struck a nearby fuel depot, also ignited a fire that continued to burn on Tuesday, according to a local official.

Yohanna Akol Ngor, the caretaker information minister for the Abyei administration, attributed Monday's attack on Amiet Market, located north of Abyei town, to Sudan’s military. "We have recorded 153 deaths," Ngor stated via phone on Tuesday, adding that the casualty count was expected to rise as the fire persisted.

A senior Sudanese military officer confirmed that the army conducted a drone strike on Monday, targeting fuel tankers that had arrived from South Sudan. The officer claimed these tankers were destined for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the press. He asserted that those killed were RSF members and individuals involved in fuel smuggling, emphasizing, "We do not target civilians." The Associated Press was unable to independently verify these claims regarding the targets or the identities of the deceased. The officer also stated the strike occurred outside the demilitarized zone along the border with South Sudan.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that over 20 wounded individuals were brought to Ameth Bek Hospital, where their teams are collaborating with staff from South Sudan’s Health Ministry. Dr. Christian Lindauer, MSF’s medical activities manager at the hospital, noted, "So far we received over 20 patients, including several critical cases. Patients with burns were also admitted."

South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry also implicated Sudan’s military, stating that the attack impacted multiple locations within the market, causing civilian casualties and significant property damage. The ministry announced it had summoned Sudan’s ambassador to lodge a protest and urged Sudan to "refrain from any actions that endanger civilian lives and property," advocating for Abyei-related issues to be resolved through diplomatic channels.

The conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread devastation in Sudan and poses a threat to regional stability.

Ngor reported that the strike occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday, noting that the fuel depot served local businesses. "It is a horrible and shocking situation," he commented. MSF issued a call for all parties to cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, expressing concern for the accessibility of healthcare and essential services.

Amiet Market serves as a vital trading center for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities. The unresolved status of the oil-rich Abyei region, a consequence of a 2005 peace agreement ending a protracted civil war, remained a point of contention when South Sudan gained independence in 2011. A proposed referendum stalled due to disagreements over voter eligibility. The Ngok Dinka, the region's majority population, favor integration with South Sudan, while the Misseriya nomads, who utilize its pastures, support alignment with Sudan. Abyei has also been a site of violent inter-communal clashes, including disputes over land between the Ngok Dinka and neighboring Twic Dinka communities.